New distributor?

[crankedup]

It is nigh impossible to obtain any spare parts for my car, that includes points and condenser. I had considered trying parts modified and I was offered a contact for parts on another thread. Also I have considered having electronic ignition fitted (magnatronic). This still leaves me with the problem of the dizzy cap, at some point its going to fail. It has the original Delo-Remy dizzy at the moment.
Is it possible/relatively easy to find an alternative dizzy complete to fit my six cylinder vintage car engine?

[jimbob82]

can you post a pic of the points and condenser? I have boxes FULL of old skool stuff like this and may be able to help you. Is it sidevalve engine or an OHV?

[crankedup]

Thanks Jimbo, its an OHV ENGINE. Delco-Remy dizzy SERIAL No 656 KA and model No 12.27. It may be a few days before I can get pictures up though.

[jimbob82]

are you concerned about the originality or is it more practicality? Friend of mine has advised me to suggest using a later dizzy. His memory from back in the day suggests that the Light 12/6 or the vauxhall 14 distributor could be used, he had a 1932/3 light 12/6 that had a lucas dizzy. You may have to get the original DRemy shaft modified to fit but it should work, an engineers shop could do that for you.

Your Dremy dizzy is a gear drive or slot drive?

His opinion is that if you come up a bit in the year with regard to the dizzy it would be much easier to obtain parts. Whether or not this is something you would be willing to do is up to you, it removes the originality somewhat but increases the practicality moreso.

I'll wait to see the pics if you can post them and we'll see if I have anything that could at least do the job for the present time.

[crankedup]

jimbob82 said:

are you concerned about the originality or is it more practicality? Friend of mine has advised me to suggest using a later dizzy. His memory from back in the day suggests that the Light 12/6 or the vauxhall 14 distributor could be used, he had a 1932/3 light 12/6 that had a lucas dizzy. You may have to get the original DRemy shaft modified to fit but it should work, an engineers shop could do that for you.

Your Dremy dizzy is a gear drive or slot drive?

His opinion is that if you come up a bit in the year with regard to the dizzy it would be much easier to obtain parts. Whether or not this is something you would be willing to do is up to you, it removes the originality somewhat but increases the practicality moreso.

I'll wait to see the pics if you can post them and we'll see if I have anything that could at least do the job for the present time.

In truth I am concerned about originality, I dont want to be the one to 'spoil' the car. Having said that I do like using it, about 1,500 miles year. Recent close inspection of the dizzy and bits revealed something like 60/80% wear. This prompted me to explore replacement parts and found how difficult this is. I am OK at the moment and no panic this year. I really would like to keep all original but I am preparing for the worst I suppose. Could be that I may replace the unit with something more modern, keeping the original parts for future owner. Thanks again, perhaps I can PM you with the pic's (I know how to do that!)
The dizzy is gear driven.

[AER]

Keeping the original parts in safekeeping in a box in the garage, replace all the consumables and high-wear items with modern components adapted to fit. This way, you'll preserve as much as possible without breaking the bank and tearing your hair out.

[stevieturbo]

Exactly which parts are worn, and although perhaps expensive, can you not just have those parts replicated ?

[crankedup]

Thanks everyone for replies, I have managed to establish that the contact points, rotor arm as used in a Vauxhall Viva fit and work. Also a dizzy cap from a Bentley Mk V1 IS ok. As for the dizzy itself I will see if I can get it reconditioned by specialist, so panic over. Thanks again for all offers of help and advise.